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Common Myths About Orthodontics

You would be amazed how many myths there are out there about braces. At our orthodontics office, we’ve gotten used to discussing these myths and clearing them up for concerned clients. In today’s blog, we want to share a few of our favorites and reveal the truth about them in hopes that it will help you make more informed decisions for your teeth.

I can change orthodontists whenever I want to.

While you always can change orthodontists if you absolutely must, it isn’t a good idea. Orthodontists make detailed, customized plans for your treatment. If you start treatment with one orthodontist and change halfway through, it may have an adverse effect on your results. When you’re searching for an orthodontist, take your time to find a good fit so you don’t have to change mid-treatment.

Wisdom teeth cause a majority of alignment issues.

While wisdom teeth can cause issues and need to be removed, there is no evidence supporting that wisdom teeth create the need for braces. Teeth come in crookedly or incorrectly on their own!

Braces only work when they hurt.

Braces used to hurt a lot in order to give results, but many improvements have made them a lot less painful. You may experience tenderness after your adjustments, but it will fade after a day or two, leaving you pain-free.

Braces are the only option if I have alignment issues.

This used to be true, but you have a lot more options nowadays. You can turn to clear plastic liners that train your teeth while being practically invisible. When you’re exploring orthodontists, you can ask them about what options they provide and choose the specialist who offers the best solution for you.

Braces deliver permanent results.

Your teeth will continue to move after your braces are removed, and they can get out of alignment over time. That is why orthodontists provide retainers for their patients to wear at night. The retainers prevent misalignment from happening after the braces are gone.

You should see results immediately.

Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Your teeth start moving the minute you get braces on, but you won’t see big changes. In fact, you might see new spaces appear mid-treatment. Your orthodontist will have planned for this and you can ask what is happening next in your treatment plan.